Paintball gun with power assisted trigger

ABSTRACT

A paintball gun having a power assisted trigger mechanism is described. The paintball gun includes a body portion defining a launching chamber, a pneumatic circuit for directing propellant gas into the launching chamber, a valve in the pneumatic circuit for controlling the release of propellant, a rotating motor coupled to the valve, a trigger sensor responsive to movement of the trigger, an electric power source, an electric circuit connecting the power source to the motor and a switch operably connected to the trigger sensor for controllably opening and closing the electric circuit.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to s paintball marking gun having a power assisted trigger.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Paintball marking guns are used in a variety of targeting and simulated battle games (e.g. capture the flag). These guns launch a ball of paint with a frangible shell that is designed to hold the ball shape until striking an object after firing. Upon striking the object, the ball is set to break open leaving a paint spot.

Paint-ball guns typically employ a firing system powered by compressed gas such as air. Compressed gas is supplied from a supply tank which is mounted to or carried with the gun. The gun systems are equipped with pressure regulators which receive gas from the tank at a relatively high pressure and deliver gas at a reduced, more consistent pressure for propelling the paintball.

Such paintball guns are available with either manual or power-assisted trigger mechanisms to control the release of compressed gas. Whether actuated manually or with power-assistance, conventional paintball guns rely on a spring-loaded hammer (or striker) mechanism for actuating the valve pin that releases propellant gas. The spring-loaded hammer is recocked using what is called the blowback of the propellant gas as a paintball is fired. The mechanical striking action of the hammer is undesirable because it tends to jolt or otherwise destabilize the paintball gun when firing rapidly. Paintball gun designers have sought to eliminate the hammer strike from the firing mechanism and create a more fully pneumatic gun.

Power-assisted trigger mechanisms require only a relatively slight pulling and therefore reduce undesired gun movement. Conventional power-assisted trigger mechanisms include a switch activated solenoid with battery power. A successful commercial design is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,772,746 to Gabrel. A serious drawback of solenoid based trigger systems in this regard is limited driving force. The maximum solenoid driving force that can be generated with conventional portable batteries (e.g., standard 9V 6LR61) is relatively low as compared to the requirements of preferred paintball gun designs. Paint balls are preferably propelled by gas released from a chamber pressurized above 250 psi. Solenoids powered with small batteries are not capable of efficiently actuating valve pins at such high pressures.

Some gun designs therefore provide for a special lower pressure gas circuit, which in turn drives a valve mechanism for a higher pressure circuit. This lower pressure operation is less efficient in that additional compressed gas is required for each paint ball launch cycle. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,003,504 to Rice et al. is directed to a paintball gun having separate high pressure and low pressure chambers.

There would be several advantages to power-assisted paintball guns having internal actuators with increased driving force.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Paintball guns according to the present invention have a power assisted trigger mechanism and include a body portion defining a launching chamber, a pneumatic circuit for directing propellant gas into the launching chamber, a valve in the pneumatic circuit for controlling the release of propellant, a rotating motor coupled to the valve, a trigger sensor responsive to movement of a trigger, an electric power source, an electric circuit connecting the power source to the motor and a switch operably connected to the trigger sensor for controllably opening and closing the electric circuit.

The paintball gun is optionally equipped with a motor actuator position sensor for controlling the actuation of the propellant valve. The rotating motor is preferably geared.

An embodiment of the invention is a grip subassembly suitable for use with new gun body designs or retrofitting to conventional gun designs having a propellant valve or equivalent flow control mechanism. The grip subassembly includes a frame adapted for mounting to the gun body, a trigger movably secured to the frame, a trigger sensor positioned to detect a pull of the trigger, a rotating motor adapted to be coupled to the valve (or valve equivalent mechanism), a power source connection adapted to connect a power source, an electric circuit for connecting the power source connection to the motor, a switch in the electric circuit for controllably opening and closing the circuit, the switch being operably connected to the trigger sensor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings that form part of the specification like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the firing mechanism elements of a paintball gun having a power-assisted trigger mechanism according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic side elevation view, partially in section and partially broken away, of a paintball gun according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic side elevation view of a worm drive actuator and gas valve showing details of the retraction submechanism;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, simplified cross-sectional view taken generally along the plane 4-4 of FIG. 3 for illustrating the torsional winding spring;

FIG. 5 is a schematic side elevation view, partially in section and partially broken away to reveal internal details, showing the grip frame and adjacent portions of the gun body according to an alternate embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a schematic side elevation view of a motor driven disk cam with gas valve configuration;

FIG. 7 is a schematic side elevation view of a motor driven disk cam mechanism showing an alternate cam profile;

FIG. 8 is a schematic side elevation view of an end cam configuration with gas valve;

FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of a gun grip subassembly partially in section to reveal internal components;

FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of an alternate gun grip subassembly also partially in section to reveal internal components; and

FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of a brushless linear drive and gas valve according to an alternate embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention disclosed herein is, of course, susceptible of embodiment in many different forms. Shown in the drawings and described hereinbelow in detail are preferred embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the present disclosure is an exemplification of the principles of the invention and does not limit the invention to the illustrated embodiments.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a paintball gun 10 is illustrated with components of a power-assisted firing mechanism revealed. Paintball gun 10 includes a body portion 12 (FIG. 2) which defines a paintball inlet 13, a launching chamber 14, a grip portion 16 and a trigger 18 (FIG. 2). A pneumatic circuit 20 extends from gas inlet 22, through a variety of internal channels represented by channels 20A and 20B, and into firing chamber 14. Gas inlet 22 is adapted to connect a pressurized gas source 23. Included in propellant circuit 20 is a valve 24 for controlling the release of propellant. As used herein, the term “valve” is a reference to interacting mechanical elements which move between at least one position in which gas flow is blocked and at least one position in which gas flow is permitted. As illustrated in FIG. 2, valve 24 is preferably a discrete component. Alternate embodiments are contemplated in which valve 24 is defined by a combination of gun body elements and other moving parts.

Gun 10 further includes a trigger sensor 26, a rotating motor 28 mechanically linked to propellant valve 24, a display 30, an integrated circuit (IC) 32, an electric power source in the form of a battery 40 and battery connections 41. A circuit board (PCB) 36 supports electronic components and electrically interconnects the electric/electronic components to form a circuit 38 between power source 40 and motor 28. At least one switch 42 is present in circuit 38 between battery 40 and motor 28 for controlling motor 28. In a preferred embodiment, switch function 42 is provided in integrated circuit (IC) 32. In an alternate embodiment, switch function 42 is integrated within trigger sensor component 26. PCB 36 supports a display 30, IC 32 and pushbuttons 44A and 44B. Pushbuttons 44A and 44B are provided for gun operator inputs to microcontroller IC 32.

Referring now to FIG. 2, grip frame 16 defines a housing 17 for receiving trigger components. A valve 24 and a motor 28 are secured and positioned in gun body portion 12. Valve 24 is a preferably a multi-way spool valve having a spool 48 operably linked to a shaft 50 of motor 28. Valve 24 is biased to a closed position, either by an internal spring, propellant pressure or a combination of spring and propellant pressure. Motor 28 is positioned to mechanically actuate a biased-closed, spool valve stem 48. Motor 28 is a worm mechanism that includes a drive portion 52, a threaded shaft 50 and a position sensor 54. Activation power connections 56 link drive 52 of motor 28 to IC 32 through PCB 36. Likewise, feedback connections 58 link sensor 54 to IC controller chip 32.

Trigger sensor (or switch) 26 is positioned to detect a pull of gun trigger 18. IC 32 is operably linked through PCB 36 to trigger sensor 26, power connections 56, feedback connections 58, battery 40 and battery power connections 41. IC 32 includes a switching function 42 in activation circuit 38 for selectively powering motor drive 52. A two-finger trigger 18 is movably mounted to frame 16 with a pin 19.

In operation, a pull of trigger 18 is detected by trigger sensor 26 and communicated to IC 32. In response, IC 32 activates a feedback control between sensor 54 and motor drive 52 (utilizing switch function 42). In this way, trigger sensor 26 is operably linked to the switch function 42 in activation circuit 38. The feedback control selectively energizes drive portion 52 through switch function 42 to rapidly extend shaft 50 until sensor 54 detects that shaft 50 has extended sufficiently to actuate valve 24.

The actuation of valve 24 causes the initial flow of propellant into pneumatic circuit 20. In a preferred embodiment as illustrated, the actuation of valve 24 releases propellant gas to urge bolt 60 towards barrel portion 14. The travel of bolt 60 past opening 62 releases a charge of propellant through central channel 64 to launch a paintball 8 (FIG. 1). Thus, in the preferred embodiment, a sequence of mechanical movements ultimately releases propellant into the firing chamber.

In an alternate embodiment, valve 24 is a multi-way valve activated in stages by successive linear motion of stem 48. In such an alternate embodiment, a first stage activation directs pressurized gas to move bolt 60 into the firing position, while a second stage of activation releases pressurized gas directly into launching chamber 14. As used herein, the phrase “directly into launching chamber” is a reference to the free flow of propellant through valve 24 into chamber 14.

In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2, IC 32 is configured to energize drive 52 to rapidly retract shaft 50 into a reset position for re-firing following actuation of valve 24. Position sensor portion 54 serves the special purpose of allowing IC 32 to be properly reset into the retracted position after electric power is interrupted. When power is first turned on to the electronic components of gun 10, IC 32 can determine whether shaft 50 is in the reset position and ready for firing or whether shaft 50 must be retracted by energizing drive portion 52.

FIG. 3 is a schematic side elevation view of a motor with gas valve subassembly 125 showing details of an alternate, mechanical reset mechanism. Subassembly 125 includes a rotating worm-drive motor 128 configured to actuate a gas propellant valve 124. Worm motor 128 includes a drive portion 152, a shaft 150 and drive activation connections 156. A torsional spring 151 is connected between shaft 150 and a portion of frame body 12 as best shown in FIG. 4. Shaft 150 is biased by torsional spring 151 into the reset (or retracted) position. Upon activation of drive portion 152 in response to a trigger pull, shaft 150 is rotated and extended under tension to actuate valve 124. Following actuation of valve 124, drive 152 releases shaft 150 such that spring 151 rotates worm shaft 150 into the reset position to be ready for re-firing. Valve spool 148 is likewise biased towards the extended position with a spring or propellant such that it returns to the extended, closed-valve position after actuation.

FIG. 5 shows selected parts of a paintball gun having an alternate rotating motor firing mechanism according to the present invention.

Paintball gun 210 includes a body portion 212, a grip frame 216 and a trigger 218. Housed within gun body 212 and frame 216 are a propellant valve 224 for the gun-firing pneumatic circuit (not separately shown), a rotating motor 228 for actuating valve 224, a trigger sensor 226, a display 230, an integrated circuit (IC) 232, an electric power source 240 and a circuit board 236 for interconnecting electric and electronic components.

Gun 210 includes a cam mechanism formed by motor 228 and valve 224. More specifically, a cam disk 266 is secured on shaft 250 of motor 228 and positioned such that stem 248 of valve 224 acts as a cam mechanism follower. Paintball gun 210's operation is similar to paintball gun 10 as described above. A pull of trigger 218 is detected by trigger sensor 226, communicated to IC 232, which is configured to respond by activating a feedback control between position sensor 254 and motor drive 228. The feedback control energizes drive portion 252 to rotate shaft 250 and cam disk 266. The rotation of cam disk 266 translates to linear motion of spool 248 to actuate valve 224. As described above for gun 10, actuation of valve 24, valve 224 initiates the flow of propellant into a pneumatic circuit 20 as shown schematically in FIG. 1.

A feature of gun 210 is efficient power-assisted rapid firing. IC 232 is configured to energize drive 252 and rotate disk 266 to a reset position following the opening of valve 224. Spool 248 is biased by spring or propellant pressure into the reset position towards disk 266. When the gun operator calls for rapid firing by either cycling or holding down trigger 218, IC 232 responds by rotating cam disk 266 at a predetermined speed which can be set according to the reset-time requirements of valve 224 and the mechanical-pneumatic firing mechanism. For paintball guns capable of faster mechanical reset to the firing position, the rapid-fire rotation speed of drive 252 can be set relatively higher. For guns with a slower reset response, rotation speed can be set to a relatively lower value.

A further feature of gun 210 is battery power efficiency. A number of gun body designs require that the propellant valve (e.g., 224) be maintained in a hold position. This hold function is achieved in solenoid-powered guns by continuing to energize the solenoid after the trigger pull.

Guns according to the present invention, however, do not require this continued supply of batter power. The rotating motors can be left in the valve-actuated position for the desired hold period before resetting without spending battery power.

The cam mechanism of paintball gun 210 preferably includes eccentrically mounted disk with a circular profile as shown in FIG. 6, but alternate shapes are contemplated. For example, disk 268 shown in FIG. 7 has a square or rectangular cross-section. The circular shaped cam disk 268 completes one firing with each complete rotation. Rectangular shaped disk 268 (FIG. 7) completes multiple firing cycles per rotation.

The disk-type cam mechanism specified in FIGS. 5-7 calls for an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to the axis of linear motion of spool 248. FIG. 8 shows an alternate embodiment of the present invention in which an end cam mechanism assists with firing. Rotating motor 328 includes a drive portion 352, a sensor portion 354, drive connections 356, sensor connections 358 and a rotating shaft 350. An end cam 366 is mounted at an end of shaft 350. End cam 366 includes a face configuration (or profile) to engage and actuate spool 348 of valve 324. Spool 348 and cam 366 are preferably secured together in by a track or other defined path on the distal portion of cam 366. Such an end cam mechanism allows the axis of rotation of drive shaft 350 and the axis of linear motion of valve spool 348 to be substantially parallel.

In a preferred embodiment of the rotating motor configurations as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5-8, the sensor (e.g., sensor 54) and the drive portion (e.g., drive portion 52) are integrated into a single motor component (such as motor 28). A suitable worm-drive type integrated component is commercially available from Haydon Switch & Instrument, Inc. (Waterbury, Conn., USA). When integrated with the motor (e.g., 28, 228), the position sensor (e.g., 54, 254) is preferably an encoder type. In an alternate embodiment, the position sensor (e.g., 54, 254) is discrete from the drive motor and positioned to provide a signal response to the position of the shaft (e.g., 50, 250).

When separate, discrete components are employed for the rotating motor and the position sensor, various configurations are contemplated. Shown in FIG. 9, for example, is a grip frame subassembly 411 having a disk cam mechanism with a cam position sensor 454 separate from the rotating motor drive 428. Subassembly 411 includes a frame, a rotating motor 428, a trigger 418, a trigger sensor 426, a power source 440, a display 430 and a circuit board 436. Shaft 450 carries a disk cam 466 bearing a position marking (or code) 467 that is detected by discrete, optical sensor 454. PCB 436 supports and interconnects the following components: trigger sensor 426, optical sensor 454, power source 440, display 430, input bottons 444A and 444B and a microcontroller integrated circuit (IC) 432. Optical sensor 454 provides feedback for controlling motor 428 and resetting cam 466 to a starting position if electric power is interrupted to IC or cam 466 is otherwise off-alignment from the reset position.

Shown in FIG. 10 is a grip subassembly 511 for a paintball gun having a motor with gear box and sear mechanical linkage. Subassembly 511 includes a frame body 516, a trigger 518, a sear lever 570, a motor-driven cam disk 566, a rotating motor 528, a display 530, a battery 540, a circuit board 536 and an integrated circuit microcontroller 532 (mounted to the underside of PCB 536). Frame 516 defines a housing 517 for receiving trigger components. Lever 570 is mounted to frame 516 using pin 572 such that its lower portion 574 follows and is actuated by disk cam 566. Motor 528 includes a torque amplifying gear box 529 for increasing the torque at cam disk 566.

Grip subassembly 511 is shown mounted to a gun body 512 equipped with a sear engaging hammer 578. Body 512 includes a spring 580 to bias hammer 578 towards a propellant valve 524. A recess 582 in hammer 578 is provided to catch on sear lever 570.

Grip subassembly 511 is another example of a rotating motor, power-assisted trigger system in which the position sensor is a discrete component housed separately from motor 528. Optical sensor 554 is positioned to be responsive to the position of cam marking 567.

In operation of a paintball gun according to subassembly 511, a trigger pull is detected by trigger sensor 526 and communicated to microcontroller IC 532. IC 532 responds to trigger sensor by activating a feedback loop between sensor 554 and motor 528. Cam 566 is rotated to move sear lever 570 and release hammer 578. Hammer 578 then strikes spool 548 to open valve 524 and release propellant for a gun launching sequence. After striking spool 548, hammer 578 is recoiled (partially with propellant) and re-latched onto sear lever 570.

When the power assisted trigger is first turned on and the components on circuit board 536 are energized, IC 532 polls sensor 554 to determine the location of cam 566. If cam 566 is not in the reset position upon power up, IC 532 energizes motor 528 to rotate cam 566 into the reset, ready-for firing position.

The type of position sensor for detecting the position of rotating motor shafts or cams is not limited to encoders or optical sensors but also includes simple contact proximity sensors, magnetic sensors such as hall effect sensors, and strain gauge sensors.

The motors 228, 328, 428 and 528 (specified for embodiments including a cam) are preferably brushed DC motors.

A feature of an alternate embodiment is shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of a motor-valve subassembly 625 that includes a brushless linear drive 628 and a housing for valve components 624. Linear drive 628 includes power connections 656 and an extending shaft 650. Spool 348 and shaft 650 are preferably secured together to allow for retraction. Preferred linear drivers for the present application are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,289,575 and 6,603,224, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference to the extent they are not inconsistent with the present teachings. Upon activation of drive 628 in response to a trigger pull, shaft 650 extends to actuate valve 624. Following actuation of valve 624, drive 628 retracts shaft 650 such that spool 648 is pulled or otherwise allowed to return to the reset position to be ready for re-firing.

The paintball guns and grip frames specified here have been illustrated partially in section. The grip frames define a housing (e.g, housing 17, FIG. 2) for power-assisted trigger components (e.g., PCB 36, FIG. 2). When stored or in use, the trigger components are protected with a cover.

Several of the embodiments specified herein include an integrated circuit (IC) for controlling the motor actuator. A suitable microcontroller IC for the embodiments of the present invention is commercially available from Microchip Technology, Inc. (Chandler, Ariz.) under the designation PIC 16C924-04.

A wide variety of conventional materials are suitable for making the body, grip frame and mechanical linking components of the present invention. These materials include metals, notably aluminum and steel, and various high-strength composites without limitation that all or any of the elements be made of the same material. Grip frame portion 16 is preferably an aluminum alloy (e.g., 6061-T6) or a stainless steel (e.g. 302-304 or 316).

The foregoing specification and drawings are to be taken as illustrative but not limiting of the present invention. Still other configurations and embodiments utilizing the spirit and scope of the present invention are possible, and will readily present themselves to those skilled in the art. 

1. A paintball gun having a power assisted trigger mechanism including a trigger, the gun comprising: a body defining a launching chamber configured to receive propellant gas from a compressed gas source; a pneumatic circuit for directing propellant gas into the launching chamber, the pneumatic circuit including a valve for controlling the release of propellant; a rotating motor coupled to the valve; a trigger sensor responsive to movement of the trigger; a power source; an electric circuit connecting the power source to the motor; a switch in the electric circuit for controllably opening and closing the circuit, the switch being operably connected to the trigger sensor.
 2. The paintball gun according to claim 1 wherein the valve is configured to directly release propellant into the launching chamber.
 3. The paintball gun according to claim 1 wherein the valve is configured to start a sequence of mechanical movements that release propellant into the launching chamber.
 4. The paintball gun according to claim 1 further comprising a cam mechanism operably adapted between the valve and the motor for actuating the valve.
 5. The paintball gun according to claim 4 wherein the cam mechanisms includes an end cam.
 6. The paintball gun according to claim 4 wherein the cam mechanisms includes an end cam.
 7. The paintball gun according to claim 1 further comprising a motor-position feedback sensor adapted to indicate the position of the motor.
 8. The paintball gun according to claim 6 wherein the feedback sensor and the motor are integrated into a single component housing.
 9. The paintball gun according to claim 1 wherein the motor includes a mechanical reset.
 10. The paintball gun according to claim 1 further comprising a worm mechanism for actuating the valve.
 11. The paintball gun according to claim 9 wherein the worm mechanism and the motor are integrated as a single component.
 12. The paintball gun according to claim 9 wherein the worm mechanism and the motor are integrated into the same component housing.
 13. The paintball gun according to claim 1 wherein the trigger sensor and the trigger are combined as a touch sensitive sensor.
 14. The paintball gun according to claim 1 wherein the rotating motor is coupled to the valve indirectly via a sear-hammer mechanism.
 15. The paintball gun according to claim 1 wherein the rotating motor is configured to actuate a sear.
 16. A grip subassembly suitable for automated firing of a paintball gun having a propellant flow valve, the subassembly comprising: a frame adapted for mounting to the gun; a trigger sensor positioned to detect a pull of a trigger; a rotating motor adapted to be coupled to the valve; a power source connection; an electric circuit connecting the power source connection to the motor; a switch in the electric circuit for controllably opening and closing the circuit, the switch being operably connected to the trigger sensor.
 17. A paintball gun having a power assisted trigger mechanism including a trigger, the gun comprising: a body defining a launching chamber configured to receive propellant gas from a compressed gas source; a pneumatic circuit for directing propellant gas into the launching chamber, the pneumatic circuit including a valve for controlling the release of propellant; a linear motor coupled to the valve; a trigger sensor responsive to movement of the trigger; a power source; a circuit connecting the power source to the linear motor; a switch in the circuit for controllably opening and closing the circuit, the switch being operably connected to the trigger sensor.
 18. The paintball gun according to claim 17 wherein the valve is configured to directly release propellant into the launching chamber.
 19. The paintball gun according to claim 17 wherein the motor is a brushless linear drive.
 20. The paintball gun according to claim 17 wherein the valve is configured to initiate a sequence of mechanical actions. 